Treatment and care
Monitoring HIV
It is important to regularly check the effect HIV and any antiretroviral treatments are having on your body, even if you are feeling well. Each person with HIV is unique so you will need regular check-ups.

There are a number of important pieces of information that can help you make decisions about treatment and other things you might do to improve your health.
The two most common tests involve measuring your viral load and your CD4 count. They show:
- how much HIV is currently in your body
- how HIV is affecting your immune system
- whether you are at risk of opportunistic infection
- the urgency of beginning HIV treatment or how well your current treatment is working
Before your regular check-up, it can be useful to think about how you have been feeling, what is working well for you and what is not working so well. Make a note of any concerns or questions to ask at your next appointment and bring a list of all current medications.